‘Compassion is the understanding or empathy for the suffering of others’ Presuming it wasn’t an accident that propelled you to the top of your field I’m sure you have put in a lot of time, effort and a certain amount of networking. With all this endeavour to succeed have you lost your compassion?
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As responders it is expected that compassion be in your nature. However is it possible that by the time you get to a position of power the struggle to succeed has diminished your empathy with employees and the public you swore to protect. Below are some tips that may help rekindle your compassion and empathy for others.
1. Assume the best in others. If a fellow responder wants to turn right when you want to turn left, it isn't always that they are unmotivated or disorganized. Most likely, they simply have goals, pressures, and experiences that differ from yours.
2. Understand what makes them tick. If you want to develop strong working relationships, you need to humanize others by understanding their background, dreams, job objectives and obstacles
3. Serve their needs. You have to help others before you can ever expect that they will help you. Go the extra mile and do the unexpected extras. Make sure they see their reflection in your leadership agenda.
4. Accept responsibility. When problems arise, look in the mirror rather than out the window. This will allow you to make small, relatively private adjustments rather than large, public apologies.
Even if we can't count it, we all know compassion is real. We've all felt its power and influence. We also know there is more to achieving success with our response team than training, planning and creating objectives. Where do these paths cross? People, so look after them!
Managing your response team is the reason we developed Decisions [D4H]. To learn more about Decisions [D4H] download an information pack click here.
Marc Healy - [D4H] Emergency Response Team Software Crew
